Brake Controller won't disengage

[292BHDSCoachmanMN]

randomly after braking, I notice the TT brakes(stock) are still engaged. I notice the brake controller(P3) is engaged. I tap the pedal and they dis engage. I am thinking it's not the controller since I have replaced it. Is it the brake switch on the TV? Brakes on the TT?

[bikendan]

Did the pin in the trailer's emergency brake switch get pulled out?

[292BHDSCoachmanMN]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Did the pin in the trailer's emergency brake switch get pulled out?

I don't think so. The emergency cord has slack and it's never been pulled. It would lock up harder I think if that was the case.

[doc73]

Can trailer brakes hang up like a standard vehicle brake if badly worn or just damaged in the drum?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[Flybob]

I am going to guess brake switch especially if taping brake cures it. Next time it happens, see if you can see if the TV brake lights (reflection in TT) are on. If so it is the switch.

[bob caldwell]

Lower the gain on the controller....up and down arrows

[thebrakeman]

Check the brakelight switch before you do anything else.

Remember, the Prodigy line of controllers are designed to help you hold the rig at a stop. After the controller no longer senses deceleration (once stopped), but you continue to hold the brakes (which is senses by the brakelight switch), it will automatically send at least 25% of max-set braking, regardless of how hard you are pressing the brake pedal, which is enough to hold the rig still in most cases.

So, if the brake switch is intermittently going bad, and stays lit even when you release the pedal, the Prodigy thinks you still have your foot on the brake, and will remain in "Hold" mode. Once you tap the pedal, and the switch finally lets go, so does the brake controller.

Replace the brake switch, or check to see if something has come loose and needs adjusted (?).

[goduc]

Lower the boost on the P3. My Primus IQ will stick if I have the boost set to 3.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by 292BHDSCoachmanMN

randomly after braking, I notice the TT brakes(stock) are still engaged. I notice the brake controller(P3) is engaged. I tap the pedal and they dis engage. I am thinking it's not the controller since I have replaced it. Is it the brake switch on the TV? Brakes on the TT?

What TV do you have? It could be the brake switch or your brake pedal isn't returning all the way enough to completely disengage the switch. Some switches are adjustable on their brackets. Most of the newer switches are "multi-stage" switches. The first stage cancels cruise control when you "tap" the pedal, second & some cases third stages activate brake lights with some makes the third high mount brake light has it's own "stage".

Try lifting up on the pedal with your foot next time it happens. If the trailer brakes disengage, then you'll need to find out why the brake pedal isn't returning fully or the switch adjusted if possible.

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by goduc

Lower the boost on the P3. My Primus IQ will stick if I have the boost set to 3.

If not the trucks brake switch, I'd check the boost setting like suggested above. Start with it on 1..

[292BHDSCoachmanMN]

I think it's the boost. When I set it to 2, I get the problem. When I set it to 1, I get the problem. Not sure why. I like the #2 boost setting! Is this common? What is the root cause some sort of feedback from the controller?

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by 292BHDSCoachmanMN

I think it's the boost. When I set it to 2, I get the problem. When I set it to 1, I get the problem. Not sure why. I like the #2 boost setting! Is this common? What is the root cause some sort of feedback from the controller?

Did you check the brake light switch yet?
Again, it sounds like the controller thinks your foot is still on the brake.

[292BHDSCoachmanMN]

I have no had a chance, but maybe this weekend.

[292BHDSCoachmanMN]

Originally Posted by 05CrewDually

If not the trucks brake switch, I'd check the boost setting like suggested above. Start with it on 1..

I noticed that the controller was engaged after releasing the pedal and the tail lights were NOT lit.

[18CrewDually]

Using a test light do the following 2 tests.
With the test light clip attached to ground, use the pointed end to contact the red wire at the controller plug. The red wire is the signal coming from the pedal switch. Hit the brake and it should immediately light, let go of the brake pedal and it should immediately go out.
Know move the test light probe to the blue wire. This wire is the variable voltage output coming from the controller to the trailer plug. Again hit the pedal and the light should illuminate. Let go of the pedal and it should go out. Record your results.
If during your tests the light goes out immediately after all pedal releases then I'd say there's not a problem with the switch or controller.

When you say the brakes are staying on, what are you observing: the seat of your pants feel like the brakes are stuck on OR the controller is displaying it but you can't feel the brakes are on. What I'm getting at is maybe your brake are out of adjustment and are over extending on travel and getting stuck.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by rracer5

What TV do you have? It could be the brake switch or your brake pedal isn't returning all the way enough to completely disengage the switch. Some switches are adjustable on their brackets. Most of the newer switches are "multi-stage" switches. The first stage cancels cruise control when you "tap" the pedal, second & some cases third stages activate brake lights with some makes the third high mount brake light has it's own "stage".

Try lifting up on the pedal with your foot next time it happens. If the trailer brakes disengage, then you'll need to find out why the brake pedal isn't returning fully or the switch adjusted if possible.

Again.....if you haven't already done this try it. Just because the brake lights are not on, doesn't mean that "part" of the brake switch IS still on.

ANd 05CrewDually's test is a good place to start finding this out.

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by 05CrewDually

Using a test light do the following 2 tests.
...
Know move the test light probe to the blue wire. This wire is the variable voltage output coming from the controller to the trailer plug. Again hit the pedal and the light should illuminate. Let go of the pedal and it should go out. Record your results.
...

With the P3, I don't think the blue line will light up right away with a press of the brake pedal. They will not be moving, and therefore, no deceleration. If working properly, pressing the brake pedal would have zero volts initially, but should light up after a few seconds, as it enters the "hold" feature at ~25% of set max voltage.

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

With the P3, I don't think the blue line will light up right away with a press of the brake pedal. They will not be moving, and therefore, no deceleration. If working properly, pressing the brake pedal would have zero volts initially, but should light up after a few seconds, as it enters the "hold" feature at ~25% of set max voltage.

It does light a test light when you hit the brake. I know this since I just installed one on an 01 Excursion 2 weeks ago and that's how I tested it.

I'm waiting on his results.

[292BHDSCoachmanMN]

Did the light test. Red wire light does not always go out when pedal is released. Same with blue. Blue is the variable output. TV is 2008 GMC Sierra Denali 1500.

[18CrewDually]

It's leaning towards being on the truck side then. Just to verify it's NOT the brake controller, next step is to unplug the controller. Then doing the same test on the RED wire hit the pedal. Are you getting same results, light stays on without pressing the pedal? If so it's definitely either a pressure switch or brake light activation switch at the pedals.

NOTEHere's a video. NOT mine but it may be your problem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=de...&v=xkJTe8kF_BU